An essay on the causes of the variety of complexion and figure in the human species. To which are added Strictures on Lord Kaims's [sic] discourse, on the original diversity of mankind / By the Reverend Samuel Stanhope Smith.

  • Smith, Samuel Stanhope, 1750-1819.
Date:
1787
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An essay on the causes of the variety of complexion and figure in the human species. To which are added Strictures on Lord Kaims's [sic] discourse, on the original diversity of mankind / By the Reverend Samuel Stanhope Smith. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    : ae ae the whole family, and. rendered fome of them ree markably beautiful. His lordfhip’s argument, there- fore, if it be good, is a clear proof againift himfelf, that all men are of one kind. fi He concludes, however, from the preceding re- marks which he has made, ** that mankind muft have “been originally created of different fpecies, and. “¢ fitted for the different climates in which they were ‘* placed, whatever change may have ‘happened, in *© later times, by war or commerce.” Let us atk, why jetted for the different climates in which they were placed ?---The proper anfwer is be- caufe they could not exift in other climates; or, be- caufe they attain the greateft perfection of their na- ture only in their own. Both thefe reafons, in the prefent cafe, are inconfiftent with experience. Let us remember ‘* the changes that have been produced by “¢ war and by commerce.” Nations have tranfplanted themfelves to other-climes 3 yet they continue to exift and flourifh---foreigners have become, affimilated to the natives. Inftead of attaining, in their primitive abodes, the perfeCtion of their nature, they have im- proved by migrating to new habitations. The Goths, the Moguls, the Africans have become infinitely me- liorated by changing thofe fkies, for which it is faid they were peculiarly fitted by nature. They muf therefore have defeated, or improved upon the in- tentions of their Creator; or, at leaft, have fhewn the precautions attributed to him, by this author, to have been unneceflary. Lord Kaims, having endea- engi voured